Dear Greenwood Families
In alignment with the Virginia Literacy Act, Henrico County Public Schools has adopted Benchmark Advance 2022 as our new literacy program for all elementary students. This comprehensive, standards-based curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in reading and writing while fostering critical thinking and comprehension skills. Benchmark Advance has received top ratings from EdReports and other educational organizations, underscoring its effectiveness in promoting high achievement for all learners.
A key feature of the program is its use of engaging, content-rich materials and explicit, systematic instruction. Students will explore increasingly complex texts appropriate for their grade levels. One exciting component is the use of write-in student books, or “magazines,” which allow students to actively engage with the material by annotating, taking notes, and personalizing their learning experience. These tools not only deepen comprehension but also provide you with a tangible way to track your child’s progress.
This program marks a shift from our previous literacy instruction methods. One of its strengths is a spiral approach to learning, where key literacy skills are introduced multiple times throughout the year, with each encounter building on prior knowledge. As a result, early-year assessments may not yet reflect full mastery. However, as students revisit and apply these skills in various contexts, their understanding will deepen, leading to mastery by the third or fourth quarters. We encourage you to focus on the steady growth your child will achieve over time and to celebrate their progress along the way.
We recognize that this change may feel significant, but it is designed to help every student reach their full potential. Families play an essential role in this journey. To support learning at home, each “magazine” includes a Home Activity Calendar with activities that reinforce classroom lessons. Additionally, since all elementary grades will explore the same topics simultaneously, you’ll have opportunities for meaningful family discussions about what your children are learning. Together, we can ensure that our students build the skills and confidence they need to thrive as readers, writers, and thinkers.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a successful year of growth and discovery! If you have any more questions, please reach out at kmfoster@henrico.k12.va.us
Mrs. Foster
Reaching Coach
Greenwood Elementary School